The Professional Noticer

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes back Dr. Barbara "Dr. Barb" Rembiesa, founder and CEO of the International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM), author of more than 50 business books, including her new book My Nothing Is Someone Else's Everything. Tune in to hear Dr. Barb explain the powerful idea behind her new book—that what feels like "nothing" to you may be life-changing for someone else. Andy and Dr. Barb discuss discovering your unique "generosity signature," recognizing opportunities to serve others through your time, talents, finances, and relationships. You'll also hear why paying attention to the needs of others may be one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, parent, retiree, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this encouraging conversation is a reminder that you already possess something valuable to offer the world. Connect with Dr. Barb Online Website: https://drbarb.com Company website: IAITAM.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-barb/

With the Winter Olympics just wrapping up, we thought this was the perfect time to revisit one of our most popular episodes from the archive — a conversation between Andy and one of the greatest names in Olympic swimming history. In this episode, Andy sits down with his old college friend Rowdy Gaines — three-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time world champion, member of the Olympic Hall of Fame, and NBC's voice of swimming for eight consecutive Olympic Games. Tune in to hear Rowdy share the story of his unique childhood in Winter Haven, Florida, and how he was cut from five different sports before trying swimming at 17 — a last-ditch attempt that changed the trajectory of his life. He opens up about the gut punch of the 1980 U.S. Olympic boycott, what it took to come back and train for three more years while working the overnight shift just to pay for food, and the razor-thin margins that separate gold from silver. You'll also hear what a 160-pound swimmer training 10 miles a day actually eats, and what it really means to stay consistently passionate about something even when you dislike doing it. Connect with Rowdy Online: https://www.stepintoswim.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RowdyGainesNBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowdygaines/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowdy-gaines-3a4b34171/ X: https://x.com/rowdygaines

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Randy Phillips—founding member of the Dove Award–winning trio Phillips, Craig & Dean, and author of "Guppy and the Silvery Hook," his new children's book. Tune in to hear how a simple bedtime story Randy created for his daughters grew into a meaningful tool for helping children navigate peer pressure, bullying, and wise decision-making. Through the story of a curious little fish and a tempting "silvery hook," Randy and Andy talk about why rules aren't meant to keep kids from having fun—but to keep them safe. They also discuss the growing number of voices competing for children's attention today, the role parents and grandparents play in reinforcing truth, and why reading with kids remains one of the most powerful ways to shape hearts, build connection, and keep the right voices close. Purchase "Guppy and the Silvery Hook" by Randy Phillips: https://amzn.to/4qmgVfj Connect with Randy Online: Book Website: https://guppyandthesilveryhook.com/ Church Website: https://life.family/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.phillips.39142 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randypcd/

Tomorrow marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – a day to remember, to honor, and to never forget. In observance of this sacred anniversary, we're bringing back one of our most profound conversations: Andy's interview with Rose Schindler, a Holocaust survivor whose testimony carries the weight of history and the power of the human spirit. The timing is especially meaningful as today, January 26, has now been declared Rose Schindler Day in San Diego County. At 92 years old when this episode was recorded, Rose shares her harrowing firsthand account of life inside Auschwitz and Birkenau. She speaks of a family of eleven torn apart by hatred and genocide, and of three sisters who found the strength to survive the unthinkable. You'll also hear the beautiful story of how Rose met her husband Max – another survivor – and how two people who endured humanity's darkest chapter built a life together. In Loving Memory Rose Schindler passed away on February 17, 2022, just one month after this episode originally aired. For the last 50 years of her life, she honored her father's final words to her at Auschwitz – "stay alive so you can tell the world what they're doing to us" – by sharing her story with an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 students across three generations. Her legacy of love, resilience, and remembrance lives on through her four children, two great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched with her testimony. This is a story that must be heard. This is a testimony that must be preserved. This is why we remember. Learn more about Rose and Max's journey: Order their book at TwoWhoSurvived.com

Some lessons stick with you long after you first hear them—and this conversation is full of them. This week, we're revisiting Andy's sit-down with Steve "Jake" Jacobson, Founder and CEO of Fairway Home Mortgage, a company that closed more than $65 billion in 2020. Listen as Jake opens up about "the precious present"—a mindset his college basketball coach Bo Ryan taught him at Wisconsin that still shapes how he leads today. You'll hear how his commitment to serving others was forged through sports, team camaraderie, and a relationship with his dad he calls "unconditional." Andy and Jake dig into Fairway's Ten Core Values and the real ways they've impacted the company's team members. And as a hilarious bonus, Andy grills his friend about the several hundred nicknames Jake has coined around the office—and what that reveals about connection, culture, and leadership. Whether you missed this one or it's been a while, this is a conversation about building something that matters. Find more about Fairway at their website, and connect with them on Facebook. Website: https://www.fairway.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairwayMortgage

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to build a business around people—not just products. Tune in to hear how the unlikely origin story of a small bird-feeding store in Wisconsin becomes a masterclass in principle-driven leadership. Listen as Joe shares how his parents' retail shop grew into the number one sport-optics brand in the world, not by chasing trends, but by committing to service, integrity, and genuine human connection. You'll also hear the heart behind Vortex's legendary VIP Warranty, why service is a true superpower, and how putting people first—customers and employees alike—has shaped a company that's built to last. If today's conversation resonated, this is where you can find more of the principles, stories, and lessons behind the CARE Movement. CARE Movement: www.vortexcare.com YouTube & Instagram: @joehamiltonlive LinkedIn: Joe Hamilton Find more at VortexOptics.com

It's become one of our favorite Christmas traditions—and it's back again. 🎄 This week, Andy welcomes Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, the duo behind one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time: Mary, Did You Know? (Seriously…there are so many versions, no one can count them.) Tune in as Mark shares how the lyrics were first written, Buddy explains how the music came together years later, and both reveal a surprising twist—there was once an entirely different melody. You'll also hear them reminisce about childhood Christmas memories, talk through why the song continues to resonate across generations, share their favorite renditions, and laugh through one of Mark's most memorable (and awkward) encounters with people who didn't quite love his explanation of the song. Whether you've heard this episode before or it's your first time, this annual release is the perfect way to slow down, laugh a little, and enjoy the story behind a Christmas classic. Buddy's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know? Michael English: https://amzn.to/384wrGD Pentatonix: https://amzn.to/34feTq5 Clay Aiken: https://amzn.to/3mlZ7jm CeeLo Green: https://amzn.to/3nxXyAB Mark's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know? Christ Church Choir: https://youtu.be/1jv_a24Bh6s Natalie Cole: https://amzn.to/4iUz0Pw Donny Osmond: https://amzn.to/3micwZJ Carrie Underwood: https://amzn.to/3nmOu11 Find more from Buddy and Mark—and be sure to connect with them online: Buddy Greene BuddyGreene.com Facebook.com/Buddy-Greene-Music-352032036982 Mark Lowry MarkLowry.com Facebook.com/markalanlowry